Ever since four familiar spotted cats disembarked the Ark (alleg.) safari virgins have been confused by these seemingly similar felines. More seasoned Kichechians like nothing more than contemptuously pointing out the many differences between these ‘wholly different’ cats*.
Of course it is far easier to see these if both cats are together, which of course is rare. But not that rare, well not to Mara Camp guides, in this case Jimmy.
Three years ago Amani courageously fought off Nalangu from killing her cubs ..as featured in the press here. The feud continued last week with this year’s cub vintage cubs taking on Nalangu’s daughter – Naeku, which means ‘active early morning’ (proper name!) which she certainly was.
*Spot check
Cheetahs have amber eyes, leopards tawny yellow to green
Cheetahs are just spotted, leopards have spots and prints
Cheetahs have rougher coats, only grooming their faces and paws, leopards bodyscape more comprehensively
Cheetahs are the only cats to only have semi-retractable claws
Cheetahs have teardrops, leopards do not
There are many other behavioural ones: leopards generally nocturnal and far better climbers. Cheetahs hunt entirely differently on the open plains as oppose to the ambush hunting leopards.
Feel better now, ready to boast this new found knowledge? Good …. Which is your favourite?
